Does your Dog have Mange?

Mange is a disease transferred to dogs from mites. It causes inflammation, skin lesions, genetic disorders, and problems with the immune system. There are two types of mange: demodiocis and saroptic. Both types of mange are caused a high population of mites on an animal’s body.

Demodectic Mange

Demodectic mange, also known as red mange, is caused by an overpopulation of Demodex canis, a type of tiny might which lives in or on the hair follicles of mammals. Dogs with demodectic mange exhibit sores throughout their body. If a dog’s sores are concentrated in one area, the disease is localized. However, once lesions spread, the disease is labeled as generalized. This type of mange is also known to cause a dog to have scaly skin and lose its hair—a condition known as alopecia. Hair loss for dogs suffering from demodectic mange typically starts on the face, though it can begin on other parts of the body. Demodectic mange is not contagious, and demodex mites are only transferred to puppies from their mother.

Sarcoptic Mange

Sarcoptic mange is also referred to as canine scabies as it is caused by a relative to the mite that causes the disease in humans. This type of mange is very contagious and is caused by a type of mite known as Sarcoptes scabiei. These mites also can infest other mammals including cats, sheep, and horses. They cause disease by burrowing through the skin and cause itching and irritation. Because these mites quickly jump between hosts, sarcoptic mange is the most common form of the disease.

Sarcoptic mange causes intense scratching, a skin rash, and a crusty formation that will surround the affected areas. Dogs with mange may scratch their skin so much that they experience significant loss of hair. In the most severe cases, a dog may scratch so much that

Treating Mange

If you suspect that your dog has mange, you should immediately take them to a vet to be examined. Importantly, keep your dog away from other animals and do not let them share the same space. To diagnose mange, a vet will scrap a sample of the dog’s skin or collect hair to examine for mites under a microscope. A vet may also collect a urine sample to rule out other possibilities such as a bacterial infection.

When mange is localized, it my just resolve itself and disappear. To the relief of owners, localized mange clears up on its own about 90 percent of the time. Generalized mange usually requires long-term medication to control the condition. Vets treat sarcoptic mange with a regime of drugs and shampoos to kill mites. After your dog’s mange looks to have cleared, it’s wise to bring them into the vet for an additional skin scraping to ensure that mites are gone.

If your dog needs to be treated for mange, find a qualified local vet near you by searching our directory!